A JUDGE agreed that a young man facing serious charges would be allowed take up bail if he goes directly from the prison, where he is awaiting trial, to rehab.
Michael Conlon (24), of Castle park, Dooradoyle, was before Limerick District Court on charges of assault, criminal damage, and unauthorised taking of a vehicle.
Judge Carol Anne Coolican heard evidence that the accused was arrested at Westbury on October 20 last and charged with the offences at Henry Street Garda station.
His solicitor told the court that Mr Conlon was applying for bail and was supported in that by his mother, who was in court for the hearing.
He said it is agreed by all parties that an addiction rehabilitation facility would be the best option for him, adding that the young man’s mother was seeking a private bed to get him treatment as soon as possible.
But Judge Coolican was told there was an objection to bail due to the serious nature of the charges and the lack of any concrete proof that a bed in a rehab facility is currently available for the accused.
After consultation with Mr Conlon’s family and his legal representative, Judge Coolican was told that an acceptable solution would be for him to be remanded in custody, pending a bed becoming available in rehab, and for that to be confirmed to Gardaí by the centre where he will receive treatment.
It was also a condition that Gardaí be notified a week ahead of Mr Conlon’s discharge date from any programme.
Judge Coolican asked “who will bring him there?” and was told his mother would undertake to do that.
Judge Coolican directed that Mr Conlon remain in the treatment programme when a bed becomes available and comply with any directions given by the centre.
She remanded him in custody to appear again on November 28 when a decision about prosecution is expected from the Director of Public prosecutions.
– Court Reporting Scheme